Cerritos College News Release - April 2009

NORWALK, Calif. – April 24, 2009 – Cerritos College’s Scholars’ Honors Program (SHP) student Liz Gonzalez had an honor to present her original research at the 2009 Annual National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) at the University of Wisconsin on April 16, 2009.

Gonzalez, a psychology major, presented her research, “From the Jungle to the Zoo: Similarities and Differences between Humans and Gorillas,” at the conference.

“This is a student research conference mainly for juniors/seniors at four-year colleges and universities,” said Associate Professor Timothy Juntilla, director of the college’s SHP. “It’s quite an honor as she was the only student from a community college to present at the conference this year.”

“My experience at the conference was phenomenal,” said Gonzalez. “I was able to not only present my research but take in some of the other students’ research. I was thrilled to meet some wonderful and intelligent people from all over the U.S. I felt empowered and able to overcome anything that comes my way.”

She will complete a mental health worker internship this summer and will be transferring to a four-year university next spring with a major in psychology. She hopes to work in a mental health institution and further her knowledge in the field of psychology.

The NCUR, established in 1987, is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, provides models of exemplary research and scholarship, and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education.

The Scholars' Honors Program (SHP) is the academic and social home that Cerritos College provides for talented and motivated students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. For more information about the Cerritos College Scholars’ Honor Program, please visit http://www.cerritos.edu/shp/ or contact Timothy J. Juntilla at (562)860-2451, ext. 2828 or tjuntilla@cerritos.edu.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 26,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.